Mixed news for Irish Lions

The British

& Irish Lions

Tour to New Zealand 2017

Mixed news for Irish Lions

Ireland have received mixed news ahead of their RBS 6 Nations clash with France on the weekend.

2009 Lions tourists Jamie Heaslip, Stephen Ferris and Tommy Bowe all missed the narrow victory over Italy at Stadio Flamingo. And while back-row due Heaslip and Ferris have returned to the Ireland squad, wing Bowe has again been ruled out.

In total 11 additional players have been called up to the revised squad.

Forwards Brett Wilkinson, Mick O'Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan and Mike McCarthy have also been called in along with backs Nevin Spence, Johne Murphy, Denis Hurley, Andrew Trimble and Gavin Duffy.

"While there were no further injury concerns to report from Saturday's game, the fitness of Jamie Heaslip will continue to be monitored throughout this week to determine if he will be available for selection, but at this point he has made progress and has not been ruled out," read a Irish Rugby Football Union statement.

"Andrew Trimble's hand injury will also be reviewed by the Irish medical team and consultant surgeon to determine if he is fit to play.

"Stephen Ferris is still receiving treatment on his knee injury and will be continue to be monitored and reviewed in the next 24 hours.

"Tommy Bowe has not been included in the squad for the weekend and will not be available for selection as he continues to recover from his knee injury."

All three players made a substantial impact during the Lions tour of South Africa with both Bowe and Heaslip playing in all three Test matches.

Ferris' tour was cut short by injury but he scored two tries in just two appearances.